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Lesson Transcript

Hi, everybody! In this lesson, you'll learn some important phrases for Christmas in Italy and some valuable cultural tips.
In Italian, Christmas is called...
Natale
[slowly] Natale
In Italy, Christmas is the most important event of the year.
There are huge Christmas markets where you can buy decorations, gifts, and various kinds of sweets. The nativity scene, with Jesus in a manger, is a popular and important decoration.
On Natale, or "Christmas Day," Italian people greet each other by saying Buon Natale!
(slow) Buon Natale!
It means "Merry Christmas!"
When you meet someone on Christmas day, be sure to greet them with this phrase.
Italian people celebrate the holiday with their own special events and customs. The most popular food to eat on Christmas is...
merluzzo
(slow) merluzzo
It means "codfish."
Fish is almost always served at Christmas dinner.
Codfish is the most popular. It's served with treats such as panettone, a sweet bread from Milan, and pandoro, a sweet bread from Verona.
Let's wrap up this lesson by recapping what you've learned. Listen to the words and repeat after me.
"Christmas"
Natale
* beep
Natale
"Merry Christmas"
Buon Natale!
* beep
Buon Natale!
"Codfish"
merluzzo
* beep
merluzzo
Well done!
Here's a fun fact! Do you know why the price of fish increases dramatically before Christmas in Italy?
It’s because everyone wants to eat it! According to Catholic tradition, fasting, and especially avoiding red meat on December 24th, shows respect for Jesus, who was born in poverty.
You just learned about how Italian people celebrate Christmas and some important facts about the holiday.
If you want to learn Italian even faster, just click the link in the description and download tons of PDF lessons for FREE!
See you soon! Grazie!

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